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Candle 79 
 based on 27 member reviews
154 East 79th St, New York City New York
10021
212-537-7179
Type: Vegan, Organic, Gourmet, Beer/Wine, Catering, Take-out
Info: Upscale sister to Candle Café. Open Mon-Sat 12-3:30pm and 5:30-10:30pm, Sunday brunch 12-4pm and dinner 5-10pm. Accepts credit cards. Price: Expensive.
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| "Fantastic - Higly Recommend For Special Night Out"
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My Rating |
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 23 |
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Posted on: Thursday, May 20, 2010 |
Review: This is my fav vegie restaurant. I am so glad we got into this place on our visit to NYC, if I lived in NY I'd go here often. This is the perfect romantic venue with delicious vegie food. The food was delicious and this is a special place. My entree raviloi was delicious. My only criticism would be my pre-dinner cocktail which was a little too sweet. Definatley give this place a go for a fancy night out. Please open a restaurant in Sydney!!!!
Pros: Special place * Great food * Extensive menu
Cons: NOTHING! * * |
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| "Wonderful Experience"
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My Rating |
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 1 |
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Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2010 |
Review: My husband and I went here for a special dinner on our recent trip to NYC. We were not disappointed! We had a bottle of amazing biodynamic wine and an absolutely delicious dinner, followed by one of the best vegan desserts I have ever had. The ambiance is quiet and intimate and the staff was exceptional. Everything from the hummus appetizer to the peanut butter and chocolate dessert was delectable. I look forward to going back!
Pros: Delicious food * Great staff * Wonderful atmosphere
Cons: Expensive * * |
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| "I can't wait to go back!"
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My Rating |
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 6 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 |
Review: I was extremely excited to try Candle 79 during a short trip to NYC with my dad. And I must say, it was great to have the dining experience of an all vegan, upscale restaurant. The restaurant was warm and inviting and the staff was great.
First off, I must mention their homemade ginger ale. I saw this on the menu and was so intrigued that I decided to pass on the organic wine and go for this non-alcoholic beverage instead. It was a great choice!! The pungent but delicious flavors worked great together. I am definitely going to try to duplicate this for my at-home enjoyment. :-)
For appetizers we got the butternut squash & wild mushroom-spinach ravioli and the smoked hummus. The ravioli's may have been the best thing I have ever tasted in my entire life. I couldn't get enough!! The hummus was also delicious and was served with an entire bulb of roasted garlic (yumm). After eating both appetizers I was certain the entree would be equally as delicious.
Unfortunately, I didn't find the entree's as tasty as the appetizers (this is the reason for 4 cows). Don't get me wrong, they were good but I did expect a lot more after eating the delicious apps. Also, this restaurant isn't cheap so I expected a little more for the money. I got the seitan piccata and my dad got the special that night for pistachio encrusted seitan with garlic mashed, veggies and gravy. Both were good, but not great.
Desserts were a hit. The cannolis were amazing and the mexican chocolate brownie was rich but very tasty.
Overall the experience was a great one. I am going back to Candle 79 for my birthday weekend in March. If I get a better entree, I will make sure to update my review to 5 cows.
Pros: delicious food * delicious drinks * upscale and ALL vegan
Cons: expensive * * |
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| "Simply Amazing"
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My Rating |
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24 |
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Posted on: Monday, February 15, 2010 |
Review: The food here is absolutely wonderful. I was prepared ahead of time for it to be pricey, so that didn't bother me (my fiance and I were in NY for Valentine's Day), and we were far from being disappointed. We split the butternut squash and wild mushroom, spinach ravioli (one of the best things I have ever eaten). I had the hot special seitan piccata (different sauce and slightly different veggies than the standard menu item), and we split a cannoli for dessert (amazing...).
This place is great for special occasions. I would not be able to afford it regularly, but if I could, I would go there often.
Pros: Beautiful Presentation * Atmosphere * Delicious, Creative Food
Cons: Pricey * * |
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| "Hands Down the Best Vegetarian Meal I Ever Had!"
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My Rating |
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13 |
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Posted on: Saturday, January 23, 2010 |
Review: Honestly, the best vegetarian meal I ever had, really says it all. We were blown away by the food, the atmosphere, even the smell when you walk in the door was amazing! Highly recommended!
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "One of the best vegan restaurants in the USA"
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My Rating |
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23 |
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Posted on: Sunday, December 06, 2009 |
Review: Not as good as the Millennium in SF or as good as Sublime in Ft. Lauderdale, but it is definitely in the top 5. I took some meat muncher friends with me the first time I went and they loved it. It has good atmosphere (great atmosphere, when compared to typical vegan places), a good menu, and good service. No complaints. If you are vegan and want to dress up and go some place nice in NYC, this is it.
Pros: Good atmosphere * Good service * Good food
Cons: NYC prices * * |
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| "very good food"
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My Rating |
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23 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 |
Review: candle 79 was probably the best vegetarian restaurant in New York City. They offer dishes that most other vegetarian restaurants dont and strive to make consistently great dishes.
If you go, you must get the seitan skewars. Its the best $8 you will ever spend. The seitan avacado sandwich is my favorite thing to order there.
The food at candle 79 is excellent but the atmosphere isnt. You're cramped side by side into tables, sometimes sitting at the same table as strangers.
Pros: delicious food * healthy cusine * seitan skewars
Cons: small portions * expensive * slow service |
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| "Simply the best"
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My Rating |
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21 |
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Posted on: Friday, November 06, 2009 |
Review: We've been trying for two years to make it here, only to be stymied each time we were in NYC. Finally ate here and it lived up to its reputation. First, I'm amused by people calling it bland or too crowded or pricey? Are they from Iowa or someplace? This is NOT expensive for NY. And the table are not really crowded at all. And it's only bland if you are used to oversalted processed food.
Our seitan chimuchurri appetizer was sublime. We couldn't believe how good it was. Almost the same for the yummy Arancini, a treat I've missed since being veg. We both had a seitan dish for dinner. Absolutely delicious and unique sauces. Good sides like mashed potatoes and green beans included. We thought the portions were more than adequate. We didn't get any dessert as we were meeting friends downtown for dessert. The options looked OK, nothing thrilling. I will say one thing: my entree came and it wasn't hot. I have a thing about hot food. But when I told the waitress, she got a suitably horrified look on her face; not like "you're a fussy pain in the ass". And she got me a hot re-done plate as quick as she could. So we will most def be back!
Pros: FOOD * Great staff * View from 2nd floor
Cons: $10 beers? * * |
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| "not good enough"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 |
Review: I went for dinner last week. Service: great; ambiance: great; food presentation: great; prices: Through the frickin roof; food: disappointing.
This was my second time there. The first was much better so perhaps I just ordered wrong. But frankly, the food was somewhat dry, poorly seasoned, and uninspired. And yes, the portions are on the small side, but that's ok - we're not supposed to be stuffing our gullets. But in my opinion, you pay largely for the ambiance and the fancy food presentation as much as for the food. I will go back, but cautiously. I'm rating it "excellent" because it is, but it really should be better AND CHEAPER.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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• I can't help disagree not only w the content, but your tone. First thing anyone should know about eating out in general, let alone NYC: if you can't afford it, don't do it. This is a high end place. They have a less expensive cafe too. There are other options in the Cty too. If you can't afford to go to a nice place, don't go. If you can afford it, don't later complain, especially on your second time, you should know the cost.
Secondly, the cost is because they only serve the freshest ingredients, and last I checked, was all, if not mostly OG, a premium in life. The food is always expertly prepared. It is never dry or bland. That is just unfair.. response by kindlizard
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| "Candle 79 & Candle Cafe - Can't Be Beat!!!"
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My Rating |
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8 |
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Posted on: Friday, November 28, 2008 |
Review: I went on my 1st trip to NYC with my sweetheart for our anniversary and the first thing we did as a vegan couple in a new city is look at the vegetarian restaurant listings. I liked the name so we went to Candle 79, a vegan restaurant (with the exception of their cheese which has casein) with raw food options, a juice bar, and a seasonal menu. We had a little bit of sticker shock - meals were $20, drinks were $10, dessert was $10, and by the end of the night we had a $100 restaurant bill. But boy, was it worth it!!! First we sat down and ordered a chocolate chip shake... mmmmmmm!!! Eyeing the menu, I was sort of lost - I considered myself (at that point in my life) to be a "simple" vegan. Tofu, vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, beans, etc. I asked the waiter for his recommendation, and he immediately recommended the house favorite rosemary peppered seitan. I had not yet had seitan so I thought, why not! The waiter brought out a little plate of complimentary appetizers, all of which were delicious. Then came the meal, so elegantly arranged on the plate. Rosemary peppered seitan in thinly shaved slices with a side of creamy pureed leeks. BEST. MEAL. EVER. Then came dessert, a delicious peanut butter chocolate torte. My mouth waters just thinking about it again! My boyfriend and I went back the next night, and then the day after that we went to try Candle Cafe - also fantabulous!!! Thank goodness the trip was only 3 days or else I'd be broke!!! I highly recommend this restaurant to couples as it is very romantic, and if you're looking for a slightly cheaper and more cafe-like place to eat with all of the quality of Candle 79 try their original Candle Cafe!
Pros: Best food * Fine dining atmosphere * Helpful wait staff
Cons: Pricey * Busy * Somewhat small |
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| "Best meal I have ever had!"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Thursday, November 13, 2008 |
Review: I've been to vegan restaurants across America and Candle 79 is the best. Vegans get used to those nice little cafes like the Chicago Diner or Vita in Portland, and those are all great, but what if you're looking for a romantic dinner with your wife? Look no further. This is the ultimate vegetarian restaurant. I don't remember what I had as it was last summer and I've just found this review site, but I wanted to add my 2 cents. Everything about this restaurant is perfect. It's also inspiring to think of this restaurant as the future of American eating. I hope that is what it will be.
Pros: best food ever * amazing staff * atmosphere
Cons: none * * |
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| "Amazing!"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 |
Review: Candle 79 lives up to all the hype. We ate there 2 times when we were in town and every single thing we ordered was perfect and beautifully presented. We can't wait to get back there next time we are in NYC. Candle Cafe is equally as delicious.
Pros: Food * Service * Presentaion
Cons: Expensive * * |
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| "DELICIOUS"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Thursday, September 18, 2008 |
Review: The service was friendly and outstanding. I couldn't believe there was actually a nice and competient server out there. They are so few and far between.
The food?? Amazing. This is my new favorite restaurant. I had the guacamole to start, then had a balsamic seitan dish. If only I could cook like this at home.
Pros: Excellent Flavors * Great Service * Great Music
Cons: * * |
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| "O my God!"
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My Rating |
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15 |
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Posted on: Sunday, August 24, 2008 |
Review: O my God! O my God!
Need more?
O! My! God!
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Love it..."
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My Rating |
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5 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 |
Review: This is our favorite place. Lovely uptown dining. Always go for the specials, they work with no fail. I heard brunch is particularly wonderful. We had this brown rice salad with avocado, it was to die for! As insignificant as it is, the hummus was amazing as well. Every time I'm in the area, I have to catch a meal here.
Pros: Great menu * Delicious! * Great service
Cons: * * |
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| "Great food"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Sunday, June 22, 2008 |
Review: I had an arugula salad, a black bean pumpkin seed burger, house made sorbet and a strawberry lemonade. It was all very good, but also expensive (for a student like me).
Service was excellent.
Pros: excellent food * friendly staff *
Cons: price * * |
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| "Great food, small portions"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Thursday, May 01, 2008 |
Review: We really enjoyed our meal and I loved the unique dishes served. Our server was very friendly. The only negatives were the small portions and the large bill. I wouldn't mind the price if a little more food had been included.
Pros: Atmosphere * Unique dishes *
Cons: Small portions * Expensive * |
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| "Seriously?"
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My Rating |
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11 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 |
Review: After reading such wonderful reviews on Candle 79 - and being such a fan of Candle Cafe - I was really excited to try out Candle 79.
I was thoroughly disappointed. The service is slow, the restaurant is cramped, and there is no privacy.
Now on to the food. Uneventful options that were so mildly flavored, my husband and I couldn't figure out what type of cuisine we were eating. Also, the portions are terribly small. To add insult to hunger, we were still hungry after a significantly expensive meal ($100) and we didn't even drink!
I would highly recommend trying another place out - even if it might not be close by to you. Spend that extra dough on the cab fare to someplace better.
Pros: Can't think of one. * *
Cons: too expensive * not exciting * cramped |
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| "Tasty and Pricey"
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My Rating |
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6 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 |
Review: My fiance' took me here for my birthday back in November. The atmosphere here is great - very intimate (You will find it hard not to hear the conversations the next table over) and dimly lit.
We had a drink each, appetizer, main course, and desserts, and the check was over $150 for the two of us.
The fall sangria I had was delicious and the dishes were good, but I wouldn't say great. A little bland for our liking.
If you happen to be a thousand miles away in Ft. Lauderdale, Sublime is a much better meal and cheaper too.
Pros: Atmosphere * Service * Variety
Cons: Cost * A little Bland * Small |
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| "yummie is all i have to say"
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My Rating |
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8 |
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Posted on: Friday, December 14, 2007 |
Review: ok it was my first time in new york cause im actualy from germany.and we went to candle 79 and it was mindblowing.the atmosphere was great and the food delicious.i cant wait till im back in ny to be there again.one of the best vegan restaurants on this planet.if you have the chance check it out.and get their cookbook it´s awesome.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "swanky definitely sums it up!"
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My Rating |
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351 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 |
Review: This is a super swanky place to go. You can get dressed up and go here, but you won't feel out of place if you don't. Don't set your expectations too high, though! You'll start fault finding. I'm more of a Vegan Diner kind of guy, but its nice to have a super nice vegan place to go for special occasions (like traveling to NYC)
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "swanky"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Saturday, November 24, 2007 |
Review: The food is great, the service is great, and it has a nice atmosphere too.
Pros: great food * upscale * great staff
Cons: a little cramped * noisy * |
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| "Fine Dining"
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My Rating |
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11 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 |
Review: I took my mom here before a Broadway Show (Duran Duran). It re-opens at 5:30 pm so we had to eat a little quickly. The server was very understanding and accommodating. But had dessert and made it to the show on time. I will definitely come back here. I went to Candle Cafe the next day for lunch and the check was slightly more. Don't be intimidated by its fanciness.
Pros: Food & Service * Close to a subway station * Atmosphere
Cons: Price * Far from the Action * |
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| "Slight let-down"
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My Rating |
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93 |
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Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 |
Review: I went to Candle 79 with high expectations. Ultimately, I found most of my meal to be bland and uninspired, especially considering the price of the place. The avocado-black bean salsa appetizer was heavy and dull; the main dish, a fava bean puree with tempeh and morel mushrooms, was bland and unsubtle. Finally, the ice cream sampler, while tasty, came in a tiny portion (and cost $8). The service, while friendly, was slow and inattentive. Decor and ambiance don't make up for bland food, high prices and poor service. Go to their sister joint, The Candle Cafe, instead.
Pros: Good for dates * Location * Decor
Cons: Bland food * Expensive * Slow service |
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| "Simply the Best!"
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My Rating |
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19 |
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Posted on: Friday, March 09, 2007 |
Review: Candle 79 is my all time favorite vegan restaurant! The service is wonderful and the food is simply amazing! The presentations of each dish are an artistic masterpiece. The ever changing seasonal menu always features a wonderful tempe or setan dish that is both hearty and elegant.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "The classiest vegan place"
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My Rating |
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13 |
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Posted on: Saturday, February 03, 2007 |
Review: Want to impress a vegan with four star dining? This is the only place that even comes close. The decor is fine dining, as is the presentation. The food is artfully arranged and tastes great...but for the prices, I wish you got a little more food. I guess you're paying for the atmosphere, which makes a couple of young people like my friends and I a little uncomfortable. Either way, it *is* undoubtedly fine dining, and unequivocally delicious.
Try: seitan chimmichurri, the guacamole appetizer, seitan piccata
skip: raw entree. it wasn't the strongest thing I've tried.
Pros: fine dining/upscale * great food *
Cons: fine dining/upscale * * |
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| "World class"
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My Rating |
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42 |
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Posted on: Sunday, September 17, 2006 |
Review: I have eaten at vegatarian restaurants all over the East Coast of the US and Europe, and this is one of the best. Along with Hangawai and Gobo, it is the best in NYC (with Franchia and Candle Cafe--its sister restaurant--close behind). The restaurant is extremely classy and the food is very healthy, fresh, excellent tasting, and all vegan. The portions are not huge, but they are a nice size. Anybody who has a 3-course meal with side dish and a drink should be satisfied. Unfortunately, you will also be broke--such a dinner for 2 could cost you well over $100, even without wine. On the other hand, a brunch could cost $30-$50 for two, as could a single course dinner without drinks. If you are concerned about the price, go to Candle Cafe around the corner (which is not cheap, but is nonetheless less dear than this place).
Located on the Upper East Side near the Whitney Museum and Metropolitan Museum, close to subways and bus lines.
Pros: top-notch food * classy decor * healthy
Cons: expensive! * * |
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